The pacemaker is actually part of a pacing system, which consists of the pacemaker and one or two pacing leads. The pacemaker contains a battery and the electronic circuitry; the pacing lead connect the pacemaker to the patient’s heart.The pacing system has two critical duties: pacing and sensing.
Pacing is when the pacemaker starts a heartbeat by sending electrical impulses to the patient’s heart. It does this when the heart’s natural rhythm is interrupted, slow, or irregular. The pacemaker senses the heart’s natural activity. If it senses a regular heartbeat, it will not send a pulse to the heart.
Pacemakers are surgically inserted in the upper chest. This surgery can usually be done as an outpatient procedure with the patient under local anesthesia. The exact placement of the pacemaker varies according to the individual’s condition. It may be placed on the left or right side of the chest or near the abdomen. The pacemaker is installed after the leads are implanted.
Most patients resume normal activity after receiving a pacemaker.
Last updated: 14-Aug-07
